Best of Greenland

Undoubtedly the most complete journey you can carry out in South Greenland. It includes an unbelievable excursion on Greenland’s ice cap and the vertical walls of the Tasermiut fjord, the “Arctic Patagonia”; visit the cities of Qaqortoq, Narsaq and Nanortalik and the most picturesque settlements like Tasiusaq, Igaliku or Qassiarsuk (Brattahlid during the Viking era); navigate among glacier fronts; bathe in Uunartoq’s warm springs, sleep in our impressive wilderness camps or be one with nature paddling in a kayak among icebergs. Last but not least, watch the magnificent northern lights (since mid August)... The best of the South!

As trip highlights:

Navigate in almost all fiords in South Greenland with an immense variety of landscapes: glaciers, icebergs, tundra, mountains or rock walls.

Explore Tasermiut Fjord and its impressive vertical walls, which make up “the Arctic Patagonia”.

Enjoy overnights in our two splendid camps, Qaleraliq Camp and the Tasermiut Camp, located at the two best spots of South Greenland.

A unique excursion with crampons, guided through labyrinthine crevasses, drains and ice caves in one of the oldest ice fields in the planet. A truly exclusive trip in Greenland, only comparable to Patagonia’s Perito Moreno.

A relaxing break and overnight in Uunartoq’s Island’s thermal springs absorbing inspiring views and the beauty of the icebergs floating around on the cold waters of the fjord.

Visit the towns of Qaqortoq, Narsaq and Nanortalik.

Call on small and different villages, some inhabited by just a handful of people and very rarely visited.

Obtain first-hand experience of the dramatic progress of climate change in Southern Greenland, an area which offers a rare glimpse of the effects of global warming.

See local fauna such as eagles, caribou, foxes and arctic hares, or whales and seals when the journey takes us near the sea.

Go to the ruins and reconstructions of Gardar and Brattahlid, the most important archaeological treasures in South Greenland.

Day 1. From the airport to the ice: Qaleraliq Glacier Camp

Flight from Iceland (Keflavik airport) or Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq in southern Grenland. Welcome reception at the airport and preparation of equipment and briefing of the journey. When ready, we will be off to Qaleraliq camp, navigating along the Tunulliarfik fjord amongst numerous icebergs. We will arrive to a cosy, charming camp set on a sandy beach, which contrasts with the spectacular view of three glacier fronts from the Qaleraliq glacier. We will be spending the night at the camp, allowing our senses to enjoy the incredible scenery and the thunderclap roar of the serac icefall. Overnight stay in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.

Day 2. Ascent to the base of the Tasersuatsiaq great lake: Ice Cap view

Ascent on foot through a singular desert-like sand valley which will lead us to a surprisingly different landscape, that of the green and thick tundra. After passing the lake, we will climb a mountain, 400 metres high, from which we will have a mesmerising view of the lake, one of the largest in Southern Greenland. The summit is also a very special viewing point of the Inlandis, the immense ice cap of Greenland. From there you can gaze upon the infinite ice sheet up to the north coast of the island towards the Arctic Ocean and see the Nunataks, floating landmarks on the ice sheet. We may pick mushrooms and blueberries (from mid August), and look for caribou, which are plentiful in the area. Descent to the camp. Overnight stay in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.

Day 3. Glacier fronts navigation and excursion on ice

We will navigate along the glacier fronts on a speed boat admiring the beauty of their vertical ice walls and numerous icebergs as we approach them along their more than 10 kilometres descent to the sea. These glacier fronts extended into one but the tragic progress of climate change divided it in three fronts.

From there we will start the ice excursion. An impressive ice hike using crampons (organised to be suitable for all travellers) on one of the oldest masses of ice on the planet. We will explore its crevasses, drains, caves, seracs, and other ice formations, which give an incredible rambling and labyrinthine quality to this glacier. An expert mountain guide will be in charge to make sure we are provided with the appropriate equipment and to ensure the safety of the group during the trip. He/She will be sharing with us knowledge about the special characteristics of the glaciers in the South of Greenland. A one-off experience, exciting and original, surprising both first-time comers and those used to the peculiarities of the glacier world. Awesome settings and one of the best excursions in all Greenland. Overnight stay in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.

Day 4. Narsaq city

Zodiac boat transfer among the huge icebergs coming from the Eqaloruutsit glacier to Narsaq, the third most populated town in South Greenland with about 1,500 inhabitants. Once settled in the “Kayak Hostel”, free time to stroll around in the city to see the museum, the inuit market, the church or the leather shop, among others. In the evening we may have dinner in one of its restaurants or enjoy a drink with the local people. Accommodation at the Kayak Hostel.

Day 5. Saarloq and the Thermal Springs at Uunartoq island

We will sail through the outer skerries towards the village of Saarloq, a picturesque village almost abandoned where we will make a short stop over to wander around. In the afternoon we will set off for Uunartoq through the complex system of fjords which somehow reminds us of Scotland, although here it is surrounded by icebergs. Here we will have the chance to look for whales during the whole trip. In the afternoon, we will have free time to enjoy a relaxing bath in the warm springs of Uunartoq Island, the only thermal springs where access is possible in Greenland. A holiday "resort" for many natives who come from all over the country to camp and bathe in these thermal waters, while icebergs float only 500 metres away in the fjord. Night at Uunartoq Island. Accommodation in tents.

Day 6. Hunters Settlement and Kuusuaq River Camp

Transfer to Tasiusaq, a quaint village with 80 inhabitants and tragic historical landmarks which reflect how hard life was in this country decades ago. All the inhabitants of this village starved to death some 140 years ago. It was not until the 1930s that the village was repopulated by descendants and family of the original inhabitants. Spectacular scenics surrounded by mountains. Day hike to the mouth of Kuusuaq River, the most popular salmon river in South Greenland. Walk in a truly alpine background to Tasersuaq Lake, through Saputit path, created by Tasiusaq’s inhabitants to go fishing in Lake Tasersuaq. Night and dinner at Kuusuak River Camp. Accommodation in tents.

Day 7. Awesome Tasermiut fjord and cozy Camp under the Walls

Navigation to Tasermiut glacier along the fjord of the same name. During the journey we will discover three inspiring mountains -Ketil, Ulamertorssuaq and Nalumasortoq– up to the borders of the glacier. A tongue with a 1.400 metres drop from the plateau to the fjord in barely three kilometres and which turns it into a spectacular, mighty ice waterfall. Night at the camp under the huge Ulamertorsuaq -one of the largest and steepest walls in the world, exceeding even “El Capitán” in YosemiteNational Park–. This is the place where climbers attempting the big walls in the region usually camp. This fjord is highlighted as one of the ten Arctic wonders. Accommodation in tents next to the "living room" domo.

Day 8. Nalumasortoq, two walls in a mountain

Moderate hike on a terrain of medium difficulty up to the base of the amazing granite mass of Nalumasortoq, whose extremely smooth twin walls are highly cherished by climbers in South Greenland. From this viewing point we can see the south face of Mt.Ketil and the north face of Mt.Ulamertorssuaq. Alpine and glacial landscapes, incredibly beautiful sights. Fishing and picking mussels, mushrooms and blackberries. This camp also offers a fantastic view to the west face of Mt.Ulamertorssuaq as the sun set strokes the rock with the last rays of sun. Accommodation in tents next to the "living room" domo.

Day 9. Ulamertosuaq... "the wall"

Hiking up to the base of the Ulamertorssuaq wall, rated the best Arctic "Bigwall" and one of the best ten climbing walls in the whole world. Mountain of singular beauty, astonishing walls and glaciers. Accommodation in tents next to the "living room" domo.

Day 10. Nanortalik city and the Inuit Culture Museum

Navigation way back to Nanortalik, the southernmost town of the country, which has some 2,300 inhabitants and is the second most populated town in the South of Greenland. Visit to the Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions, probably the best museum in the whole country. Free time to visit the town, go shopping, explore the hunters market or have a drink in a town “where there are polar bears”... At least that is the meaning of its name although the chances of meeting one are extremely little! Accommodation in Hostel.

Day 11. Alluitsup Paa and Qaqortoq, capital of South Greenland

Transfer by boat firstly to Alluitsup Paa, a scenical whale fishing village located in front of the open sea where we will walk around and visit. Continuing later on to Qaqortoq, South Greenland capital, founded in 1775 and now with almost 3000 inhabitants. It is generally described as the most charming and attractive town in all of Greenland. Time off to take a small excursion around town, where we will discover the beauty of its colourful buildings, the awe-inspiring landscapes and some of its thirty different rock sculpture designs spread all over the town. In the afternoon, we may explore on our own the museum, fur shops, he ttraditional kayak club, the church or the sole fountain in the whole country. Accommodation in Hostel.

Day 12. Igaliko and Qoorooq glacier

Our first goal is the pontoon of Itilleq, where an easy hike to cross the Path of the Kings begins. Our destination is the idyllic Igaliku, a small Inuit settlement inhabited by no more than 40 people. Igaliku, home of the ruins of Gardar (religious capital of Viking Greenland), is famous for being the most beautiful settlement in Greenland. In the afternoon, on our way to Qassiarsuk, we will visit the Qooroq Fjord, one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland, navigating to the area where iceberg density will make it impossible to carry on… one of Greenland’s unforgettables. Overnight stay at the Leif Eriksson Hostel in Qassiarsuk.

Day 13. Optional kayaking excursion and visit of Brattahlid, the viking Greenland

Hiking to Tasiusaq farms, next to Sermilik fjord which is almost always blocked by the icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. After lunch, we could go fishing arctic salmon or for a walk in the region.

Optional: Kayak excursion in the “Iceberg Bay”, a 2 hour kayaking trip for beginners among icebergs in one of the safest and nicest spots in southern Greenland (70€ , minimum 2 participants).

As we get back to Qassiarsuk, old Brattahlid, guided tour of the Viking ruins of Brattahlid, learning the history of the arrival of Eric the Red from Iceland at this small settlement in 985. Of particular interest are the reconstructions of a Viking house (spacious but cold) and an inuit dwelling (small but warmer), transporting us back in time to the harsh conditions in which these people lived and it definitely shows us how the Inuit knew how to adapt better to the progressive cooling of the climate. Overnight stay at the Leif Eriksson Hostel in Qassiarsuk.

Day 14. Flower Valley hike and Kiattut Glacier sighting

In the morning we will cross the fjord towards Narsarsuaq area. Then, after a short transfer by car, we will walk through Flower Valley until we can see the Kiattut glacier and the landscape around it, with superb panoramic view of the Polar Ice Cap and its Nunataks (floating landmarks on the ice sheet). Flower Valley is one of the most renowned excursion in all Greenland. Farewell dinner will be greenlandic dinner with traditional Inuit products: fish, whale, seal, caribou, etc. Overnight stay at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 15. Flight to Iceland or Copenhagen

Boat transfer to Narsarsuaq. Time to walk around the area and visit the Bluie West One museum, former US military base frozen in time since the Second World War.

The journey is physically challenging but it is designed so that it is suitable for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, who doesn’t mind sleeping in a tent, share accommodation and goes hiking or trekking on a regular basis. The longest trek takes approximately 5-6 hours walking (with a light-weight bag) on easy terrain – maximum accumulate high: 600 metres. All other excursions are easier, approximately 3 or 4 hours walking, on alternate days. Walks are optional. Travellers who wish to stay at the camp or the hostel may do so. If you are not sure if you are fit enough for the journey, please contact our staff for further information and advice.

Level and technical information for hiking

The journey is an adventure in spectacular scenery, surrounded by an atmosphere of exploration and discovery of this wild country, in sometimes difficult conditions, which requires a special type attitude. Nevertheless, the treks are quite easy, and suitable for most abilities. The excursion on ice with crampons will be guided by a mountain guide and is also suitable for anyone physically active and with an adventurous attitude.

Unexpected expenses as a result of weather conditions (including difficulties or cancellations due to ice or weather conditions) or flight or boat delays.

Any other aspect not listed in “What is included”

Our commitments

Environmental sustainability. We believe in a responsible tourism with unspoilt nature of Greenland, so all our trips are planned to have the least possible impact on the environment.

Safety. All our guides are expert about Greenland and know when either it is or it is not convinient to carry out an activity. Our safety records are unmatchable.

Local population. Our Inuit Climate Change Patrol ensures the maintanance of Inuit traditions by involving local people in utilization of a sustainable tourism.

Inuit Windsled

To collaborate in the deepest knowledge of the most unfamiliar places on the planet and do so without affecting ecosystems. This is the philosophy that marks the Inuit Windsled Project, the only totally ecological vehicle designed for research in Polar lands.

Based on the ancient knowledge of the Inuit peoples, the Windsled developers have managed to create a means of transportation that combines tradition with modern means through kites that harness aeolian energy.

Inuit Climate Change Patrol;

In Thule today sled dogs are still used and the inhabitants go in search of their livelihood in cloth-lined kayaks, but we are witnessing the last generation of true Inuit hunters. Most of these people are between 45 and 60 years old and the next generation aren’t continuing in these traditions… Are we witnessing the last dynasty of the Kings of Thule?

This fear is the germ of the Inuit Climate Change Patrol, current project led by Ramon Larramendi (founder of Greenland.net)